Appellate Division: Second Judicial Department

M138597

E/ct

WILLIAM F. MASTRO, A.P.J.

REINALDO E. RIVERA

PETER B. SKELOS

MARK C. DILLON

DANIEL D. ANGIOLILLO, JJ.

2012-02003 In the Matter of Joseph Gene Zihal an attorney and counselor-at-law. (Attorney Registration No. 4577193)

DECISION & ORDER VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION

Joseph Gene Zihal has voluntarily submitted an affidavit dated February 29, 2012, wherein he resigns from the New York State Bar. Mr. Zihal was admitted to the Bar in the State of New York at a term of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the Second Judicial Department on April 9, 2008. There are no complaints or charges of professional misconduct pending against him. Although Mr. Zihal presently resides in New York, he does not practice law in New York, and under these circumstances, does not wish to pay the biennial registration fee.

Upon the papers submitted in support of the resignation, it is

ORDERED that the voluntary resignation of Joseph Gene Zihal is accepted and directed to be filed; and it is further,

ORDERED that the name of Joseph Gene Zihal is removed from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York, without prejudice to an application for reinstatement; and it is further,

ORDERED that pursuant to Judiciary Law § 90, effective immediately, Joseph Gene Zihal is commanded to desist and refrain from (l) practicing law in any form, either as principal or as agent, clerk, or employee of another in the State of New York, (2) appearing as an attorney or counselor-at-law before any court, Judge, Justice, board, commission, or other public authority in this State, (3) giving to another an opinion as to the law or its application or any advice in relation thereto in this State, and (4) holding himself out in any way as an attorney and counselor-at-law in the State of New York; and it is further,

ORDERED that if Joseph Gene Zihal has been issued a secure pass by the Office of Court Administration, it shall be returned forthwith to the issuing agency.

MASTRO, A.P.J., RIVERA, SKELOS, DILLON and ANGIOLILLO, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Aprilanne Agostino

Clerk of the Court